It is no secret that we depend on forests for our survival, from the air we breathe to the wood we use. In addition to providing habitat for animals and livelihoods for humans, forests prevent soil erosion and mitigate global warming. Yet, despite our dependence on forests, we still let them disappear. Life ONG wishes to alert us to this terrible fact.
Why are plants and trees important?
Forests cover one third of the Earth’s surface. They are symbolized by the color green in the common definition of environmentalism. There are an infinite number of reasons why forests are important for the environment and in our daily lives. They are fundamental life forms that ensure the continuity of biodiversity necessary for economic development, diversity of life forms and human livelihoods. These are the reasons why we should protect forests and participate in the reforestation of devastated areas:
Biodiversity
Forests serve as reserves for biodiversity genes. Indeed, forests are home to about 90% of the world’s species, both animal and plant, which constitutes a diversity of animal and plant life forms. Forests also contribute to biodiversity by providing environments where different types of animals and plants can live. Forests also support the lives of some species that are endangered.
Air purification
Forests play an important role in cleaning the air. During the day, trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. As a result, they help to clean the air we breathe. Forests thus serve as a tool to limit the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the environment that are responsible for global warming.
Climate stabilization
Trees also serve as climate stabilizers since plants regulate atmospheric temperatures through evapotranspiration. In an urban environment, for example, the presence of trees can reduce dependence on air conditioners. For example, large forests regulate temperatures and cool the climate by absorbing the sun’s radiant heat.
Regulating the water cycle
Forests also regulate the natural cycle of evaporation and condensation of the resulting water in the form of rain by absorbing and redistributing rainwater in a roughly equal manner over the entire geographic coverage. Indeed, this is what is meant by water saving. Not to mention the fact that they absorb considerable amounts of runoff water and release it into aquifers, thereby replenishing groundwater reserves.
You will therefore have understood the importance of forests for the survival of living things. If you wish to participate in the reforestation of devastated regions, we invite you to take part in the SAPOUSSE initiative launched by Life ONG.
